Provinces To Meet In British & Irish Cup Semi-Final

This year's British & Irish Cup semi-finals sees an Anglo-Irish line-up, with English Championship leaders Newcastle Falcons to face fellow title contenders Bedford Blues and Irish provinces Munster'A' and Leinster'A' going head-to-head over the weekend of April 27 and 28.

Current title holders Munster 'A' ensured their semi-final spot with the narrowest of victories over Cornish Pirates, who claimed the trophy in 2010 with a win over the province.

In a tense encounter at the Mennaye Field, Munster 'A' produced the only tries of the fixture, courtesy of Danny Barnes and Ronan O'Mahony. The home side's nine points came off the boot of Aaron Penberthy, with the game finishing 10-9 in what proved to be a successful weekend for the Munstermen.

Leinster 'A' achieved their place in the last-four with a closely contested victory over English Championship side Bristol, ending 30-26.

Despite scores from Mariano Sambucetti and Ross Johnston, Bristol were unable to undo the half-time deficit and with Fionn Carr crossing the line for the Leinster 'A' team's fourt try, Girvan Dempsey's charges reached the semi-finals for the second successive year.

Newcastle and Bedford will represent England's second tier, following comprehensive victories by both home teams this weekend.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt praised the squad's 'immense character' following the 27-24 GUINNESS Series success against Australia. Meanwhile, captain Rory Best reflects on 'an emotional day' as he made his 100th appearance for his country.

Irish Rugby TV brings you a behind the scenes look at Ireland's final GUINNESS Series game against Australia. Joe Schmidt's men marked captain Rory Best's 100th cap with a superb 27-24 victory over the Wallabies.

Saturday's GUINNESS Series clash with Australia marks Michael Kearney's last game as Ireland team manager. We spoke to him about five memorable years in the role. Watch out for a couple of special cameos!

We're ready to create something legendary. A showcase for rugby nations old and new. A tournament that will grow the game globally, promote the values, spirit and ethos of rugby and will capture the world's imagination. #Ireland2023 - Liam Neeson gives voice to Ireland's bid to host Rugby World Cup 2023.

Tickets are now on sale for the first ever Women's November International Series to be held in the UCD Bowl. Kids go free with any adult tickets. Ireland will face world champions England, top ranked Canada and the Black Ferns of New Zealand.

Tournament Director Garrett Tubridy sets the scene for an exciting weekend of rugby at UCD where 16 Women's Sevens teams will battle it out at for one qualifying spot for the Rio Olympics. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie/sevens.

Tadhg Furlong reflects on a disappointing day for Ireland against South Africa. However, he will take positives from his first Test start and be ready to build for the final match of the series in Port Elizabeth.

Paddy Jackson is preparing for Ireland's second Test against South Africa on Saturday (kick-off 5pm local time/4pm Irish time). The Ulster out-half has been checking out Ellis Park in advance of the match.